Research Assistant

Nucleic Acid Diagnostics Research Laboratory (NADRL),

Microbiology, NUI Galway

Ref. No. NUIG111-13

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Research Assistant with the Nucleic Acid Diagnostics Research Laboratory (NADRL), Microbiology at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by SFI TIDA and is available from 1st January 2014 to contract end date of 31st of December 2014.

The NADRL at NUI Galway has vast experience in the development of novel nucleic aciddiagnostics assays for detection and identification of bacteria and fungi. This has included co-development of diagnostics assays with commercial partners including some of the largest IVD companies on a global scale. NADRL core research activities include: Molecular diagnostic target discovery: Nucleic acid based test design: and Integration of NUIG technologies onto diagnostics platforms.

Job Description:

This project proposal will investigate the feasibility of combining NUI Galway proprietary technologies to design and develop a multiparametric NAD assay technology for use in the control of (Hospital Acquired Infections) (HAI).

Qualifications/ Essential Criteria

  • Hold a first class honours BSc in Microbiology or a relevant discipline
  • Have a minimum of 2 peer reviewed publications, as a lead author, in the area of development and optimisation of diagnostics assays one of which must be in the field of detecting human pathogens in high purity water systems
  • Must have experience in molecular biology techniques
  • Must have experience in multiparametric platforms such as Luminex
  • Must have experience in the development of multiplex real-time PCR, optimisation and validation of diagnostics assays
  • Experience in the development and/or optimisation of sample preparation/nucleic acid extraction methods
  • Experience of culturing Class II human clinical pathogens (bacteria and fungi)
  • Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and organisational skills
  • Strong collaborative skills are required to work as part of a highly interdisciplinary team
  • Experience in training and laboratory-based supervision of students and/or other researchers in molecular diagnostics assay development
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential

Desirable Criteria

  • High level of IT skills: experience in use of relevant bioinformatics software and a proficiency in the full Microsoft Office package and use of the Internet
  • Good initiative, flexibility and good organisational skills
  • Technical troubleshooting skills
  • Report writing and presentation skills
  • A knowledge of microorganisms associated with HAI’s

Salary: €21,850 – €22,506per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)

Start date: Position is available from 1st January 2014

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway

Further information about the NADRL is available at: Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Thomas Barry

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Dr. Thomas Barry:

Please put reference number NUIG 111-13in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 6th December.

Interviews will take place on the12th of December 2013

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunity employer.